Advertisement

Instant analysis: Bucs down Jags, win back-to-back games for first time this year

Share this article

It may have taken 13 weeks, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are beginning to look more and more like the team we all thought we were going to see when Bruce Arians came aboard as head coach.

The Bucs, fresh off last week’s big road win over the Atlanta Falcons, kept the momentum going in their 28-11 thrashing of the in-state rival Jacksonville Jaguars. It was an another complete performance by this team and there are several players worthy of recognition.

With that, here are some instant thoughts and analysis from Tampa Bay’s big win.

Good Jameis shows up (mostly)

Quarterback Jameis Winston entered today with 20 interceptions on the year, already a career high for a season. While Winston had no touchdown passes in the team’s win, he also didn’t throw an interception. He’d thrown eight picks in his last three games, so he deserves credit for not making bad choices and forcing throws like he’s done in the past. He did have another lost fumble, but his performance today is worth celebrating. Winston has taken a lot of heat this season for his turnover problems, and rightfully so, but today was a good example of how well this offense can operate when the quarterback takes care of the ball.

Rookies shine on defense

Linebacker Devin White had a monster first quarter today, which really set the tone for this team. The rookie out of LSU had an interception on Jacksonville’s first drive, ultimately leading to a Peyton Barber 15-yard touchdown run, and then had a fumble recovery and touchdown on Jacksonville’s next possession when Nick Foles fumbled the ball after being sacked by Shaq Barrett. Then, after Foles was replaced in the second half by Gardner Minshew, rookie cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting helped stop a Jags comeback attempt by intercepting Minshew on a 3rd-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 2-yard line. A touchdown and extra point would’ve cut the Bucs’ lead to 25-18. That interception by Murphy-Bunting helped seal the win.

Unlikely receiving duo

While Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been the dynamic receiving duo for the Buccaneers this season, they took a backseat today to Breshad Perriman and O.J. Howard, who were the top two receivers against the Jags. Perriman finished with a season-high five receptions for 87 yards, while Howard, who has had a tumultuous season, finished the day with five catches for 61 yards. Evans, meanwhile, had four receptions for 53 yards, while Godwin finished with four receptions for 50 yards. If the Buccaneers can spread the ball around and get guys like Perriman and Howard involved more often, this team will be unstoppable.

From The WebAds by Zergnet

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted LSU linebacker Devin White with the fifth overall pick in April's NFL Draft, the team had big expectations for the collegiate star. After all, White was the first linebacker Tampa Bay had selected in round one since Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks in 1995.

The hype surrounding White built up in training camp and the preseason, when some experts picked him as the favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

But, White's season got off to a bumpy start. In the week leading up to the home opener against the 49ers, White...